Allergy testing twice in 1 1/2 years??

[Hunter's Moon]

My allergist asked me if I'd like to have my allergy testing (scratch on back) done again before he sends the results to my nutritionist. I said "yes" without thinking, but am now having some reservations.

 

I had it done May of last year, so will my allergies have changed in that much time? I know everyone is different, but...

 

I'm just worried because my skin is so much more sensitive to allergens now than it was when I first had it done. I was on a medication last Spring/Summer that caused me to have body hives and since stopping, my skin has been super sensitive to my allergens. I can't even touch trees/bushes in the Spring/Summer without getting hives (small and non-life threatening) on my hands. I am worried that this allergy testing session may lead to all-body hives or anaphylaxis.

 

Not to mention, I had to stop taking Zyrtec and I already have a cold, so I'm getting a double whammy of stuffyness, sinus pain, and dry/scratchy throat.

 

Any thoughts? I'm leaning towards cancelling the Friday appointment. It's causing me stress that is probably unnecessary since it was already done 1 1/2 years ago but if there may be some benefit, I'll factor that in.

[Mrs Mungo]

Has your doctor mentioned doing a rast test instead?

[Hunter's Moon]

My PCP did a RAST May of this year. We'll be sending those results to the Nutritionist, too.

 

The scratch is more extensive, that's why I wonder if it is worth it.

[Mrs Mungo]

My PCP did a RAST May of this year. We'll be sending those results to the Nutritionist, too.

 

The scratch is more extensive, that's why I wonder if it is worth it.

 

Are they doing the version where they put all of the needles in a tray and poke you with them all at once on your back? The problem with that in someone with several severe allergies is that it can just turn into one big welt and becomes hard to differentiate.

 

If your allergies seem to be getting worse, then it might be worth it to re-do the test, especially of there are food allergies involved.

 

If you are worried about a more severe reaction, that is something to discuss with the doctor.

[Hunter's Moon]

The only food allergy that got worse was soy, and I'm pretty sure that isn't done with a scratch test. My outside allergies got worse, but not food, as far as I know.

 

Yes, it is the one where I get all the needles in my back at once. I believe it was 64 at once last time.

[jplain]

I'd request blood testing this time. But since it was just done in May, it doesn't seem like it needs to be repeated.

 

And if you don't already have an EpiPen, request one! If I had your concerns about becoming increasingly sensitive, I'd have an EpiPen and fast-melt Benadryl strips on hand at all times, regardless of what the tests say.

[Ellesmere]

I have my scratch and RAST tests done every 12 months, and it has been worth it for me. My allergies have changed significantly every year. For us, it's been a good thing since they either improved (and meant I could eat more) or we figured out, based on tests/history that something new was causing issues (so I knew to avoid it).

 

That said, I once made the mistake of doing scratch testing when I'd had two moderate bouts of illness and my immune system was not doing well. Had my allergist known how sick I had been, she would not have tested me for so many different things at once, if at all because the testing triggered all-over hives and required prednisone.

 

So I'd be in favor of the testing since it isn't unusual to go annually and personally, I'd consider the 5/2010 results almost old. But I'd share the concerns about it triggering a reaction.

[Hunter's Moon]

I have a 2-pack epi-pen and carry Benadryl everywhere, too.

 

While I worry about anaphylaxis when eating things, I'm worried about anaphylaxis during the testing since my skin has become more sensitive to allergens. I'm not saying I believe the allergies themselves are worse, but my skin reaction might be because the meds I took last year made my skin more sensitive than it was.